An all-terrain vehicle (ATV) includes various storage compartments so that the weight loaded onto the vehicle may be evenly distributed between the front and rear suspension of the ATV. The ATV is capable of hauling a variety of loads over various terrains. The ATV contains a rear storage compartment, at least two side storage compartments, a front storage compartment, and a front rack to enable the rider to carry or attach a wide variety of loads onto the ATV without causing the vehicle to overturn or flip up due to the additional weight. Additionally, the ATV may also include a tree guard positioned on each side of the ATV to protect the rear storage and side compartments and to prevent cargo on the rear storage compartment from being dislodged by trees that might protrude into the rider's path. Additionally, the rear storage compartment may be pivotable and a piston may be provided to assist with the pivoting, and the walls of the rear cargo box may also fold down to enable the hauling of an additional variety of loads.
|
1. A straddle-type vehicle comprising:
a frame; a pair of front wheels suspended from a front portion of the frame; a pair of rear wheels suspended from a rear portion of the frame; a power unit mounted on the frame; and at least one side compartment structure provided on a lateral side of the frame between the pairs of front and rear wheels, wherein the side compartment structure is configured to define a storage receptacle.
11. A straddle-type vehicle comprising:
a frame; a pair of front wheels suspended from a front portion of the frame; a pair of rear wheels suspended from a rear portion of the frame; a power unit mounted on the frame; and at least one side compartment structure coupled to the frame on a lateral side of the frame between the pairs of front and rear wheels, wherein the side compartment structure is configured to define a storage receptacle; wherein the at least one side compartment structure is detachably coupled to the frame.
12. A straddle-type vehicle comprising:
a frame; a pair of front wheels suspended from a front portion of the frame; a pair of rear wheels suspended from a rear portion of the frame; a power unit mounted on the frame; and at least one side compartment structure coupled to the frame on a lateral side of the frame between the pairs of front and rear wheels, wherein the side compartment structure is configured to define a storage receptacle; and a fender structure, the at least one side compartment structure being detachably mounted to the fender structure.
18. A straddle-type vehicle comprising:
a frame; a pair of front wheels suspended from a front portion of the frame; a pair of rear wheels suspended from a rear portion of the frame and defining a rear axle; a power unit mounted on the frame; a rear storage compartment pivotally mounted to and disposed above the rear portion of the frame, the rear storage compartment having a center of gravity positioned over the rear axle; a receptacle provided on the frame; and a pin mounted to the rear storage compartment, the pin being insertable into an aperture of the receptacle.
25. A straddle-type vehicle comprising:
a frame; a pair of front wheels suspended from a front portion of the frame; a pair of rear wheels suspended from a rear portion of the frame and defining a rear axle; the frame having a horizontal front-to-rear axis, a vertical top-to-bottom axis, and a horizontal left side-to-right side axis; the rotational axis of the rear axle is located in a vertical plane normal to the front-to-rear axis; a power unit mounted on the frame; and a rear storage compartment pivotally mounted to and disposed above the rear portion of the frame, the rear storage compartment having a center of gravity located substantially on said vertical plane.
14. A straddle-type vehicle comprising:
a frame; a pair of front wheels suspended from a front portion of the frame; a pair of rear wheels suspended from a rear portion of the frame and defining a rear axle; a power unit mounted on the frame; a rear storage compartment pivotally mounted to and disposed above the rear portion of the frame, the rear storage compartment having a center of gravity positioned over the rear axle; a fender positioned over the front or rear wheels; and at least one side compartment provided to the fender, the side compartment being positioned between the front and rear wheels, the at least one side compartment being detachable from the fender.
15. A straddle-type vehicle comprising:
a frame; a pair of front wheels suspended from a front portion of the frame; a pair of rear wheels suspended from a rear portion of the frame and defining a rear axle; the frame having a horizontal front-to-rear axis, a vertical top-to-bottom axis, and a horizontal left side-to-right side axis; the rotational axis of the rear wheels is located in a vertical plane normal to the front-to-rear axis; a power unit mounted on the frame; and a rear storage compartment pivotally mounted to and disposed above the rear portion of the frame, the rear storage compartment having a center of gravity positioned over the rear axle, the center of gravity of the rear storage compartment located substantially on said vertical plane.
13. A straddle-type vehicle comprising:
a frame; a pair of front wheels suspended from a front portion of the frame and defining a front axle axis; a pair of rear wheels suspended from a rear portion of the frame and defining a rear axle axis; a straddle seat mounted on a central body portion of the vehicle; a left foot rest disposed on a left side of the straddle seat and a right foot rest disposed on a right side of the straddle seat, wherein said left foot rest is arranged between the left front wheel and the left rear wheel and said right foot rest is arranged between the right front wheel and the right rear wheel; a steering mechanism including a pair of handle bars provided to steer the pair of front wheels; a pair of head lights mounted on a front body portion of the vehicle; an engine mounted on the frame; a front storage rack mounted on a front top body portion of the vehicle; front and rear fender structures positioned over the front and rear wheels, respectively; and a side compartment structure disposed on each lateral side of the frame, one said side compartment structure being aligned between the left front wheel and the left rear wheel and another said side compartment structure being aligned between the right front wheel and the right rear wheel, wherein each said side compartment structure is configured to define a storage receptacle, including a bottom wall substantially at the same height as one of the left and right foot rests and a plurality of upstanding walls including a rear wall, a front wall, an inside wall, and an outside wall, the rear wall being formed as a part of the rear wheel fender structure, the inside wall being formed as part of a body of the vehicle, the front wall facing towards the front wheel fender.
20. A straddle-type vehicle comprising:
a frame; a pair of front wheels suspended from a front portion of the frame and defining a front axle axis; a pair of rear wheels suspended from a rear portion of the frame and defining a rear axle axis; a straddle driver seat mounted on a central body portion of the vehicle; a back rest positioned rearward of the driver seat; a driver left foot rest disposed on a left side of the straddle driver seat and a driver right foot rest disposed on a right side of the driver straddle seat, wherein said driver left foot rest is arranged between the left front wheel and the left rear wheel and said driver right foot rest is arranged between the right front wheel and the right rear wheel; a steering mechanism including a pair of handle bars provided to steer the pair of front wheels; a pair of laterally spaced head lights mounted on a front body portion of the vehicle; an engine mounted on the frame; a front storage rack mounted on a front top body portion of the vehicle; a rear section disposed above the rear portion of the frame, said rear section comprising a first support surface disposed rearward of the driver seat, at least a portion of the first support surface being positioned forwardly of the rear wheel axle axis; front left, front right, rear left, and rear right fender structures positioned over front left, front right, rear left and rear left wheels, respectively; and left and right side generally horizontal supplemental support surfaces positioned on left and right sides of the frame, said left and right side supplemental supports being disposed in a plane below a plane containing the first support surface, said left side supplemental support surface being aligned between the left front wheel and the left rear wheel and said right side supplemental support surface being aligned between the right front wheel and the right rear wheel, said left side supplemental support surface being disposed between the rear left wheel fender structure and the driver left foot rest and said right side supplemental support surface being disposed between the rear right wheel fender and the driver right foot rest, wherein a wheelbase of the vehicle, defined as a length between the front axle axis carrying the pair of front wheels and the rear axle axis carrying the pair of rear wheels, is from 55 inches to 65 inches.
16. A straddle-type vehicle comprising:
a frame; a pair of front wheels suspended from a front portion of the frame and defining a front axle axis; a pair of rear wheels suspended from a rear portion of the frame and defining a rear axle axis; a straddle seat mounted on a central body portion of the vehicle; a left foot rest disposed on a left side of the straddle seat and a right foot rest disposed on a right side of the straddle seat, wherein said left foot rest is arranged between the left front wheel and the left rear wheel and said right foot rest is arranged between the right front wheel and the right rear wheel; a steering mechanism including a pair of handle bars provided to steer the pair of front wheels; a pair of head lights mounted on a front body portion of the vehicle; an engine mounted on the frame; a front storage rack mounted on a front top body portion of the vehicle; a rear storage compartment pivotably mounted to and disposed above the rear portion of the frame; a pivoting frame that is pivotably connected to the frame, the pivoting frame including a pair of first links supporting the rear storage compartment, a pair of second links extending away from the pair of first links and pivotally coupled to the frame and cross-links transverse to and linking said pair of first links and adjacent to the rear storage compartment; a piston assembly connected between the frame and the pivoting frame, said piston assembly being constructed and arranged to facilitate pivoting of the storage compartment, said piston assembly extending as the storage compartment is pivoted to an open, tilted position and retracting as the storage compartment is pivoted into a closed position; a pair of receptacles provided on the frame; and a pair of pins associated with at least one of the cross-links in the pivoting frame, the pair of pins being insertable into a pair of apertures of the pair of receptacles, each one of said pair of pins comprising a shaft having first and second portions, said first portion having a conical tapered form, said second portion including a fixture for fastening the pin to the pivoting frame and a spring surrounding said shaft and arranged between said first portion and said second portion, wherein the rear storage compartment comprises: a substantially flat portion to support a load; a front wall portion connected to and extending upwardly with respect to the substantially flat portion, the front wall portion including a first side facing the substantially flat portion and a second side, opposite the first side, that faces the seat, the second side having a back seat rest attached thereto; a pair of upwardly extending side wall portions facing each other and connected to said substantially flat portion and further connected to left and right portions of said front wall portion; and a rear wall portion coupled to said substantially flat portion and moveable with respect to said side wall portions between an open position and a closed position. 2. The vehicle according to
3. The vehicle according to
4. The vehicle according to
5. The vehicle according to
6. The vehicle according to
7. The vehicle according to
8. The vehicle according to
9. The vehicle according to
10. The vehicle according to
17. The vehicle according to
19. The vehicle according to 18, wherein the pin is movable to ensure registration between the aperture and the pin.
21. The straddle-type vehicle according to
22. The straddle-type vehicle according to
23. The straddle-type vehicle according to
24. The straddle-type vehicle according to
26. The vehicle according to
a fender positioned over the front or rear wheels; and at least one side compartment provided to the fender, the side compartment being positioned between the front and rear wheels; wherein the at least one side compartment is detachable from the fender.
27. The vehicle according to
28. The vehicle according to
29. The vehicle according to
30. The vehicle according to
a receptacle provided on the frame; and a pin mounted to the rear storage compartment, the pin being insertable into an aperture of the receptacle.
31. The vehicle according to 30, wherein the pin is movable to ensure registration between the aperture and the pin.
32. The vehicle according to
33. The vehicle according to
34. The vehicle according to
|
This is a continuation application of U.S. Non-Provisional application Ser. No. 09/950,926, filed on Sep. 13, 2001. This application also claims priority to Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 60/232,572 filed on Sep. 13, 2000, the content of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. This application is also related to patent application Ser. No. 09/057,652, entitled "ALL TERRAIN VEHICLE" filed on Apr. 9, 1998, the content of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety and to patent application Ser. No. 09/339,517, entitled "STRADDLE-TYPE ALL TERRAIN VEHICLE WITH PROGRESSIVE DIFFERENTIAL" filed on Jun. 24, 1999, the content of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
1. Field of Invention
The present invention relates to the field of all terrain vehicles, and more particularly, the invention relates to a vehicle including storage compartments that are capable of hauling a variety of loads over various terrains.
2. Description of Related Art
During the last decade or so, the popularity of all terrain vehicles (also referred to as "ATV's") has greatly increased. These types of vehicles are indeed very practical and versatile since they may be used for work or leisure related tasks. By virtue of their relatively compact nature, their great mobility and their traction, they are capable of maneuvering over all types of surfaces, from the common back yard to more challenging off-the-road terrain. Since ATVs are also fairly powerful, these vehicles may be used to pull or push various objects such as a trailer or a snowplow.
Another conventional four wheeled ATV is designed with a flat bed rear cargo support attached to the rear of the vehicle, above the rear wheels and behind the seat. However, this ATV has a tendency to overturn when loaded with heavy rear cargoes and/or is driven over uneven off-road terrain, because its design is incapable of compensating for the dynamic force created on the vehicle due to the load. It is believed that this inability to handle a heavy load is due, at least in part, to the fact that the wheel base of these vehicles is too short. Other factors that may contribute to the instability of this prior art vehicle relates to the poor weight distribution between the front and rear wheels, and the suspension design. One such prior art vehicle that is susceptible to overturning is the PROHAULER™, which is manufactured by YAMAHA™. Moreover, while other ATVs may have greater load capacities, such as about 800 lbs., they generally require three sets of wheels to support such a load. Also, prior art ATVs require multiple steps to secure and unsecure the flat bed rear cargo support.
Other vehicle designs are shown in U.S. Design Patent Nos. D445,066; D422,938; D439,549; D439,548; D427,109; D436,557; and D364,590. Each of these designs is capable of carrying a load in a rear bed, or box structure. These vehicles, however, are not considered to be true ATV's since they provide seating for a passenger, either with two separate seats (which are side by side) or with a long bench-style seat. Additionally, these vehicles share common characteristics, which are disadvantageous for purposes of operating as an ATV. In particular, the majority of these vehicles have a relatively low ground clearance, which prevents them from traversing rough terrain in true all-terrain conditions. However, those vehicles that are provided with a relatively high ground clearance also have a high center of gravity. The high ground clearance may allow for the traversal of rough terrain, but the high center of gravity makes these vehicles unstable while traversing this terrain.
Furthermore, these vehicles have a decreased maneuvering capability, as compared to other ATV's. In particular, the turning radius is significantly increased. Additionally, the vehicles have a relatively wide stance due to their two person seating arrangement. The wide stance decreases the vehicle's ability to access some terrain features and makes it prone to hang-ups when traversing rough terrain, especially when coupled with a low ground clearance.
Of course, these vehicles are able to carry relatively heavy loads, which makes them advantageous for certain applications. However, a high load capacity often is provided for by or necessitates an additional set of wheels at the rear of the vehicle. An extra set of wheels further decreases the vehicle's maneuverability and increases the overall weight of the vehicle. Additionally, when loaded, it has been found that the steerability of these vehicles is degraded due, at least in part, to the inability to appropriately distribute the load between the front and rear wheels of the vehicle.
Another vehicle is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,076,387, which includes a storage receptacle that is integrally formed with a rear fender. The storage receptacle is formed as a recess within the rear fender. The recess extends below upper frame members of the frame of the vehicle. Additionally, the recess extends forwardly within the rear fender to a position beneath a seat of the vehicle. In this manner, the storage receptacle is not moveable, in particular pivotable, so as to facilitate removal of load therefrom.
It is therefore an aspect of the invention to overcome the deficiencies noted above with respect to prior art ATVs, for example, by providing a four-wheeled ATV with a relatively high load capacity, while maintaining substantially all ATV functionality.
It is another aspect to provide an ATV with a relatively high load capacity, while maintaining a high degree of maneuverability.
It is another aspect to provide an ATV that has a high ground clearance and a low center of gravity when loaded.
It is yet another aspect to provide an ATV that has a distribution of unloaded weight providing 50% of the weight of the vehicle on the front wheels and 50% of the weight on the rear wheels.
It is another aspect to provide an ATV with a high load capacity that has four-wheel drive capability.
It is yet another aspect to provide an ATV with a high load capacity that maintains steerability when loaded.
It is another aspect to provide an ATV with a box bed situated at a rear portion thereof such that the bed is easily tilted by a user to dump a load from the box bed.
It is another aspect to provide an ATV with a rear storage compartment having a high load capacity, without the tendency of the ATV to overturn when traversing over various terrain.
Another aspect of the invention is to provide additional storage compartments formed on the fenders of the ATV. These additional storage compartments may be formed integrally with or attached to the fenders.
A further aspect of the invention is to provide an ATV having a rear storage compartment that can be easily (un)secured and in which the load can be deposited a safe distance away from the rear of the ATV.
Other aspects of the invention relate to providing a tree guard, preferably connected to the frame and/or the floorboards of the ATV, that can protect the rear storage compartment from damage caused by traveling close to trees. The tree guard may also provide a support for the additional side storage compartments that are integrally formed with or separately attached to the front and/or rear fenders of the ATV.
In accordance with one embodiment of the invention a straddle-type vehicle is provided that includes a frame, a pair of front wheels suspended from a front portion of the frame, and a pair of rear wheels suspended from a rear portion of the frame and defining a rear axle. The vehicle also includes a power unit mounted on the frame and a rear storage compartment positioned over the rear portion of the frame. The rear storage compartment has a center of gravity positioned over the rear axle.
In accordance with another embodiment of the invention provides a straddle-type vehicle including a frame, a pair of front wheels suspended from a front portion of the frame, and a pair of rear wheels suspended from a rear portion of the frame. The vehicle also includes a power unit mounted on the frame, a seat pivoted over the power unit, and a rear storage compartment positioned over the rear portion of the frame. The vehicle further includes a front storage rack and compartment positioned adjacent the front wheels and a side compartment on each side of the seat. Each of the side compartments is positioned between the front and rear wheels. The rear storage compartment, the front storage rack and compartment and the side compartment have a combined load capacity of about 800 lbs.
Yet another embodiment of the invention provides a straddle-type vehicle including a frame, a pair of front wheels suspended from a front portion of the frame, and a pair of rear wheels suspended from a rear portion of the frame. The vehicle also includes a power unit mounted on the frame and at least one side compartment structure coupled to the frame on a lateral side of the frame between the pairs of front and rear wheels. The side compartment structure is configured to define a storage receptacle.
Other aspects, objects and features of the invention will become apparent by reference to the following specification and to the drawings.
The following is a description by way of preferred embodiments, reference being made to the following drawings, in which:
A preferred embodiment of an ATV 100 according to the present invention is illustrated in FIG. 2. The ATV 100 includes a pair of front wheels 102 and a pair of rear wheels 104. The front and rear wheels 102, 104 are suspended from a frame, which is more clearly visible in other Figures. The ATV 100 also includes a seat 106 that is pivotally mounted to the ATV 100, as shown in
Referring back to
The ATV 100 has a virtually unobstructed walk-through clearance area 140 located in front of the seat 106. The clearance area 140 facilitates a rider's entrance on to and exit from the ATV 100, as can be more easily seen in
Further, as shown in
It is also contemplated that the storage compartment 200 may be in the form of a substantially flat bed. For this embodiment (not shown), it is contemplated that the wall portions 204-208 may be significantly reduced in height, or eliminated altogether. Alternatively, one or more of the wall portions, for example, the front wall portion 206, may remain, while other wall portions (e.g., 204, 208) are eliminated.
It is also contemplated that the wall portions 204-208 may be detachable from the flat floor portion 202. In this manner, the rear storage compartment 200 may provide the box-type arrangement shown in
As shown in
As cargo is being unloaded from the rear storage compartment 200, the pivoting frame 235 pivots about the rear main frame 110R such that the rear storage compartment 200 extends substantially outward from the rear of the ATV 100. Thus, the cargo is unloaded at a safe distance (equal to the length of the links 213) rearwardly away from the rear of the ATV 100. Further, an axis P about which the rear storage compartment pivots (relative to the rear main frame 110R) is located between the front and rear walls 206, 208 of the rear storage compartment 200 relatively closer to the rear wall 208. Accordingly, upon pivoting, the pivoting frame 235 pivots from the position shown in
It is also contemplated that in order to facilitate manual operation of the storage compartment 200, a piston assembly 300 shown in
As shown in
As illustrated in
Referring to
If the tip 246 of the compliant pin 242 does not initially register with the aperture 252 in the receptacle 250, the shaft 244 is designed to shift or tilt slightly so that the tip 246 will slide into the aperture 252. If the tip 246 is misaligned and encounters the periphery of the aperture 252, the shaft 244 will be forced upwardly against the force of the pre-loaded spring 243. Upon compression of the spring 243, the shaft 244 will tilt to achieve alignment with the aperture 252, as shown in FIG. 11. Furthermore, the tip 246 of the shaft 244 is tapered or cone shaped to facilitate the insertion of the tip 246 into the aperture 252. Once the tip 246 enters the aperture 252, the spring 243 expands causing the shaft 244 to return to its original orientation, which is normal to the cross support 217. It is noted that the springs 243 may also serve to attenuate vibration of the storage compartment 200.
Conventional four wheeled ATVs that have included a rear flat bed are prone to overturning, e.g., flipping up, when the ATV is driven through off-road terrain, especially if the vehicle was saddled with additional weight. However, the weight distribution, suspension and wheelbase of the ATV 100 in
In particular, as illustrated in
It is contemplated that, in order to provide greater stability of the ATV 100, the wheel base of the ATV may be extended by about 10 inches relative to a conventional ATV. Of course, the extension distance can be varied depending on the particular ATV application. In particular, the wheel base may be adjusted in order to correspondingly adjust the turning radius of the ATV. For example, the wheel base of the ATV 100 may be from 55 inches to 65 inches.
Further, the center of gravity of the rear storage compartment 200 is positioned so that it is centered on a rear axle 141 of the ATV 100, shown in FIG. 2. In
The location and distribution of the weight of the various storage compartments will now be discussed. Generally,
For example, a side compartment 225 may be provided on each lateral portion of the ATV 100. In one contemplated embodiment, shown in
It is contemplated that the side compartments 225 may alternatively be formed integrally with the front fender 114 in a similar manner. It may also be possible to provide the side compartments 225 formed integrally with the rear fender 116, while an additional pair of side compartments (not shown) are formed integrally with the front fender 114.
Alternatively, instead of being integrally formed with the front or rear fenders 114, 116, the side compartments 225 may be manufactured so that they are detachably mounted (see
The placement of loads within the side compartments 225 facilitates an even distribution of load on the ATV 100. The location of the side compartments 225 may be altered to correspondingly alter the distribution of load. For example, the side compartments 225 may be positioned at a relatively forward position to add weight to the forward portion of the ATV 100 (and vice-versa). Additionally, the side compartments 225 are preferably positioned relatively low on the ATV 100. In this manner, load may be placed within the side compartments 225 and thereby lower the center of gravity without compromising ground clearance of the ATV 100. This arrangement increases the stability of the ATV 100. Of course, the side compartments 225 may be positioned anywhere between the front and rear wheels 102, 104.
The additional storage compartments of the ATV 100 greatly increase the storage and load capacity of the vehicle. The location and the shape of the compartments are designed so that the weight of the cargo is strategically distributed. As discussed previously, the ATV 100 is arranged such that, when unloaded, there is a distribution of weight of the vehicle including approximately 50% of the weight on the front wheels 102 and approximately 50% of the weight on the rear wheels 104. The specific location and shape of the front rack 190, side compartments 225, and the rear compartment 200 (as well as the componetry of the ATV 100 itself) makes it possible to evenly distribute load over the vehicle to generally maintain the 50/50 weight distribution over the front and rear wheels 102, 104. The following is an example of a relatively evenly distributed load totaling 440 lbs. with five elements: a first element of 90 lbs. (approximately 20% of the total load) is positioned on the front rack; a second element of 20 lbs. (approximately 4.5% of the total load) is disposed within the fuel tank as fuel; and operator provides a third element of 200 lbs. (approximately 45% of the total load) and is situated on the seat 106; a fourth element of 30 lbs. (approximately 7% of the total load) is split between right and left side compartments 225; and a fifth element of 100 lbs. (approximately 23% of the total load) is situated within the rear storage compartment 200. Of course, other load distributions and placement of elements are possible.
Another embodiment of the invention relates to the shock absorber 155 shown in FIG. 12. One end of each shock absorber 155 is connected to the rear axle 141 and the other end is connected to the rear main frame 110R of the ATV 100. Alternatively, a single shock absorber 155 could be used at the rear, provided that it is located in a generally central location. As shown in
As shown in
As shown in
Full foot rests 210 (
The ATV 100 also has a tree guard 262 depicted in
It is contemplated that the overall frame of the ATV 100 may be unitary. However, another feature of the invention is that the overall frame of the ATV 100 frame may be split into the front main frame 110F (
As described, the front shock absorbers are attached to the front main frame 110F and the rear shock absorbers are attached to the rear main frame 110R. In contrast, the prior art vehicles typically attach the front and rear shock absorbers to a unitary main frame. Because the front main frame 110F and the rear main frame 110R are split, one of the frame members, e.g., the rear main frame 110R, can be replaced with another frame portion that has a different design or utility. For example, the rear main frame 110R, which pivotably supports the rear storage compartment 200, can be replaced with a different rear frame that is suitable for example the ATV described in the application cross-referenced above. Consequently, because the front main frame 110F does not change for most ATVs, the overall costs of the ATVs can be reduced since the same front main frame can be mass produced for use on a wide variety of ATVs. Moreover, the interchangeability of the frame parts permits the ATV to be easily fitted with new upgrades because only the newly-modified portion of the frame has to be changed out when new features are added or modifications are made to the vehicle. The front and rear main frames of the split-frame may be made of conventional construction and may be constructed from tubular or stamped members.
Furthermore, it is contemplated that the ATV 100 may be provided with four-wheel drive capability. For example, the ATV 100 may include a progressive differential of the type disclosed in co-pending U.S. application Ser. No. 09/339,517, which has been incorporated by reference in its entirety. A progressive differential of this type may be used in the rear of the ATV coupled to the rear wheels 104 and/or may be used in the front of the ATV 100 coupled to the front wheels 102. The progressive differential provides the four-wheel drive capability of the ATV 100. The four-wheel drive capability may be advantageous for load carrying, and especially load carrying while traversing relatively rough terrain.
The above description of a preferred embodiment should not be interpreted in any limiting manner since variations and refinements are possible which are within the spirit and scope of the present invention.
Patent | Priority | Assignee | Title |
10569819, | Jul 08 2016 | POLARIS INDUSTRIES INC | All-terrain vehicle |
11040742, | Sep 01 2017 | NOVAE LLC | Trailer with fender box |
7097207, | Sep 25 2003 | Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha | Body cover for vehicle with saddle seat |
7128341, | Feb 28 2003 | POLARIS INDUSTRIES INC | All-terrain vehicle storage box |
7134702, | Sep 30 2003 | HONDA MOTOR CO , LTD | Structure for supporting headlamps for vehicle |
7216912, | Apr 04 2003 | HONDA MOTOR CO , LTD | Structure of storage section for saddle-ridden type vehicle |
7334713, | Nov 01 2004 | Rack support assembly for an ATV | |
7390046, | Jul 12 2005 | POLARIS INDUSTRIES INC | Adjustable seating assemblies for vehicles |
7537499, | Dec 30 2004 | American Off-Road Technologies, LLC | Reduced-size vehicle with compartments providing buoyancy |
7644791, | Dec 30 2004 | American Off-Road Technologies, LLC | Exhaust and cooling systems for implementation in reduced-size vehicle |
7658411, | Dec 30 2004 | American Off-Road Technologies, LLC | Reduced-size vehicle with large internal voids |
7686365, | May 05 2006 | Magna International Inc | Pickup box side module |
7743864, | Jul 31 2002 | ARCTIC CAT, INC | Tandem four-wheel vehicle |
7942447, | Dec 30 2004 | American Off-Road Technologies, LLC | Frame design for reduced-size vehicle |
7954853, | Dec 30 2004 | American Off-Road Technologies, LLC | Reduced-size vehicle with complementary internal compartments and suspension system components |
8025326, | Jul 12 2005 | Polaris Industries Inc. | Adjustable seating assemblies for vehicles |
8191677, | Dec 30 2004 | American Off-Road Technologies, LLC | Exhaust and cooling systems for implementation in reduced-size vehicle |
8191929, | Dec 30 2004 | American Off-Road Technologies, LLC | Reduced-size vehicle with large internal voids |
8191930, | Dec 30 2004 | American Off-Road Technologies, LLC | Frame design for reduced-size vehicle |
8313133, | Feb 01 2010 | Honda Motor Company, Ltd. | Vehicular utility bed having locking assembly and vehicles including same |
8322964, | Mar 22 2010 | Load hauling all terrain vehicle | |
8439240, | Jul 30 2007 | Carrier rack for a vehicle | |
8465077, | Jul 12 2005 | Polaris Industries Inc. | Adjustable seating assemblies for vehicles |
8622428, | Dec 30 2004 | American Off-Road Technologies, LLC | Reduced-size vehicle with large internal voids |
8783720, | Dec 30 2004 | American Off-Road Technologies, LLC | Reduced-size vehicle with complementary internal compartments and suspension system components |
9266580, | Dec 30 2004 | American Off-Road Technologies, LLC | Reduced-size vehicle with large internal voids |
Patent | Priority | Assignee | Title |
4135761, | Apr 14 1977 | Load body for a pickup truck | |
4247030, | Dec 17 1979 | BRELL MAR PRODUCTS, INC | Rack for all terrain vehicle |
4277008, | Sep 17 1979 | Multi-purpose rack and hitch for ATC | |
4522442, | Jan 20 1982 | Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha | Trunk storage system for small vehicles |
4619476, | Jan 21 1982 | Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha | Expandable storage systems for small vehicles |
4648617, | Aug 04 1983 | Convertible load carrying apparatus for all terrain vehicles | |
4660880, | Dec 16 1985 | Underhood tool box | |
4706770, | Apr 21 1986 | DEERE & COMPANY, A CORP OF DE | Utility hauling vehicle having four wheel drive |
4726439, | Oct 05 1985 | HONDA GIKEN KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA, A CORP OF JAPAN | Trunk structure in scooter-type vehicles |
4789195, | Jun 24 1987 | Truck tool box | |
4802682, | Sep 29 1986 | HONDA GIKEN KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA, NO 1-1, 2-CHOME, MINAMI-AOYAMA, MINATO-KU, TOKYO 107, JAPAN A CORP OF JAPAN | Storage device on motorcycle |
4821825, | Feb 11 1987 | Escaro Limited | All-terrain vehicle |
5064016, | Apr 12 1989 | Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha | Saddle type vehicle having a storage receptacle |
5076387, | Apr 12 1989 | Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha | Saddle type vehicle having a storage receptacle |
5083632, | Apr 12 1989 | Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha | Saddle type off-road vehicle having a storage receptacle |
5174622, | Oct 17 1991 | Combination roll cage and cover for all-terrain vehicles | |
5327989, | Mar 20 1991 | Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha | Four-wheeled buggy |
5421645, | Feb 16 1993 | American LaFrance Corporation | Modular compartments for utility vehicle |
5433357, | Oct 04 1994 | Load carrying vehicle accessory | |
5476146, | Dec 20 1993 | Fire fighting all terrain vehicle | |
5513868, | Sep 22 1994 | All terrain vehicle trailer | |
5615922, | Mar 29 1996 | Roamer Corporation | Vehicle with side accessible cargo bed and storage compartments |
5816462, | Apr 10 1997 | DOMINIQUE, JAMES A | Cargo carrier for all-terrain vehicles |
5819390, | Jul 26 1995 | LONG, NEIL G | Fabrication of hidden storage/utility system |
5876005, | Jul 22 1997 | Camera and spotting scope mounting device for all-terrain vehicles | |
5878929, | Nov 19 1997 | Device for carrying a gun or bow on an ATV | |
6003923, | Oct 28 1996 | CDK, INC | Full length side storage containers for pickup beds |
6016943, | Sep 29 1995 | POLARIS INDUSTRIES INC | Injection molded racks and components for off-road recreational and utility vehicles |
6029750, | Nov 08 1996 | CARBA FIRE TECHNOLOGIES, INC | All terrain fire-fighting vehicle |
6030018, | Jul 26 1995 | Truck bed having hinged side panel sections | |
6079741, | Apr 24 1998 | Vehicle bed ballast apparatus | |
6129401, | Jul 21 1999 | FCA US LLC | Vehicle storage bin |
6142549, | Jul 26 1995 | Truck bed composed of modular assemblies | |
6179180, | Jul 06 1999 | Carrier accessory for recreational vehicles | |
6237211, | Jul 26 1995 | Modular fabrication and assembly method for vehicle hidden storage systems | |
6237990, | Oct 04 1996 | Compagnie Plastic Omnium | Support piece for bodywork elements |
6533339, | Oct 11 2000 | ARCTIC CAT, INC | ATV with fender storage compartment |
20020027038, | |||
D298811, | Jan 10 1986 | Suzuki Jidosha Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha | Four wheeled motorcycle |
D305999, | Dec 12 1986 | Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha | Four wheel motorcycle |
D324666, | Sep 16 1988 | DEERE & COMPANY, A CORP OF DE | Vehicle seat support |
D325360, | Apr 12 1989 | Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha | Four wheel vehicle |
D364590, | May 11 1994 | Yamaha Motor Manufacturing Corporation of America | Utility vehicle |
D405029, | Jan 14 1997 | 4145321 CANADA INC ; Bombardier Recreational Products Inc | All terrain vehicle body |
D422938, | Dec 17 1998 | Textron Inc | Utility vehicle |
D427109, | Dec 17 1998 | TEXTRON IPMP L P | Utility vehicle |
D436557, | Feb 18 2000 | Club Car, Inc | Utility vehicle |
D439548, | Dec 27 1999 | Kawasaki Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha | Utility vehicle |
D439549, | Apr 14 2000 | Deere & Company | Utility vehicle body |
D445066, | Jul 21 2000 | TORO COMPANY, THE | Vehicle |
Executed on | Assignor | Assignee | Conveyance | Frame | Reel | Doc |
Oct 18 2001 | BOMBARDIER, CHARLES | Bombardier Inc | ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS | 013458 | /0827 | |
Aug 05 2002 | Bombardier | (assignment on the face of the patent) | / | |||
Dec 18 2003 | Bombardier Inc | Bombardier Recreational Products Inc | ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS | 014296 | /0018 | |
Aug 22 2013 | Bombardier Recreational Products Inc | BANK OF MONTREAL | SECURITY AGREEMENT | 031156 | /0144 |
Date | Maintenance Fee Events |
Aug 10 2007 | ASPN: Payor Number Assigned. |
Aug 24 2007 | M1551: Payment of Maintenance Fee, 4th Year, Large Entity. |
Aug 29 2011 | M1552: Payment of Maintenance Fee, 8th Year, Large Entity. |
Oct 23 2015 | REM: Maintenance Fee Reminder Mailed. |
Mar 16 2016 | EXP: Patent Expired for Failure to Pay Maintenance Fees. |
Date | Maintenance Schedule |
Mar 16 2007 | 4 years fee payment window open |
Sep 16 2007 | 6 months grace period start (w surcharge) |
Mar 16 2008 | patent expiry (for year 4) |
Mar 16 2010 | 2 years to revive unintentionally abandoned end. (for year 4) |
Mar 16 2011 | 8 years fee payment window open |
Sep 16 2011 | 6 months grace period start (w surcharge) |
Mar 16 2012 | patent expiry (for year 8) |
Mar 16 2014 | 2 years to revive unintentionally abandoned end. (for year 8) |
Mar 16 2015 | 12 years fee payment window open |
Sep 16 2015 | 6 months grace period start (w surcharge) |
Mar 16 2016 | patent expiry (for year 12) |
Mar 16 2018 | 2 years to revive unintentionally abandoned end. (for year 12) |